an opinionated sports blog

November 27, 2008

While everyone north of the border who live in the “51st state” (like us here at Running The Point) may have celebrated Thanksgiving more than a month ago, our football games weren’t anything close to being entertaining. Thankfully, the CFL is over with until next spring and we can all concentrate on real games. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Lions go against the Grey Cup champion Calgary Stampeders just to prove that the worst of the NFL can down the best of the CFL.

As for my Thanksgiving picks,
Tennessee (-11.5) over DETROIT
What a shocker it would be if the Lions win their first game of the season here, against a Super Bowl contender. I wouldn’t get my hopes up though, the Titans should run right over the hapless Lions. At least when they get a new GM in place, he’ll have the first overall pick at his disposal.

Seattle (+12.5) at DALLAS
The Seahawks just can’t pull it all together but they still have the potential to be a half-decent team if everyone shows up. That’s why I’m semi-scared about this game since the usual rules of Thanksgiving games mean one-blowout (Titans-Lions) and one close contest (this game). Also, the Cowboys may have lost a Jones when Felix was forced onto the IR, but now have Pacman back – and he’s on his last chance to keep his hands clean.

Arizona (+3) over PHILADELPHIA
This is the shoe-in for game of the day, unless Seattle actually shows up. Seriously though, I have no clue how this Eagles team is favoured over a legit division leader with an MVP candidate quarterback. Especially after what happened in Baltimore last week. Needless to say, if the Eagles – especially Donovan McNabb – falter and make even a single bad play or bad decision, the crowd will jump on them faster than you can order a Pat’s Philly Cheese Steak. This should have been the game where Kevin Kolb got his first start, but it will be just another ordinary loss for the Eagles.